Quaker Education in Lebanon: David Gray’s United States Speaking tour

Quaker Education in Lebanon: The 150-year Legacy of Brummana High School and the Vision for the Future -- Presented by Principal David Gray
During his U.S. Speaking Tour, David Gray, Principal of Brummana Friends High School, Lebanon, will share a story of hope, of poverty which can be avoided, of dignity which can be conferred, of democratic processes which can be taught. It is a story of a school, the only Quaker institution in Lebanon, a beacon of light for nearly 150 years, standing strong like its 250 year old mother tree, in all weathers, oblivious to the turmoil swirling around it. It is a story of a land with a divided, conflict-torn past, of a calamitous, perilous and uncertain present, and of the possibilities of a more prosperous, peaceful, happier future. It is a story of Lebanon, the land of the cedars, and at its center, a lone Quaker institution which must survive as a light in the darkness. Principal Gray is inviting those with whom he meets to be in relationship with the school and to consider how they might help support the students and faculty during the unfolding economic crisis in Lebanon.
David Gray Bio:
Born in Inverness, Scotland, David Gray graduated in from the University of Bristol, where he also did his Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and initially taught in Bristol. He continued his career in Education in Athens, Greece, and then worked in London and in Leeds. In 1992, David became the Headmaster of Pocklington School in Yorkshire, England, and then Principal of the Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools (ESMS) in Edinburgh (the largest group of independent schools in the European Union) from 2000 until 2018. He became Principal of Brummana High School in Lebanon in January 2019 which he has led for nearly 4 years through the worst economic crisis Lebanon has endured in living memory; Brummana High School is now in its' 150th year.
David is a member of The Society of Heads. With 30 years of experience as Headmaster and Principal of leading independent schools in the UK, David Gray is an international educational leader who has developed a deep awareness of what constitutes first class education. He has the experience of instilling high standards throughout a school and inspiring the ambitions of the next generation of leaders and

David Gray's Speaking Tour and Events ; October 15 through October 23, 2022
October 15

Arrival in Philly afternoon - staying at Jonathan and Melissa Evans' home

Sunday, October 16 -

Westtown Monthly Meeting, in-person; MFW 10:30am - 11:30am; David to speak with Friends after MFW; Private Brunch 12pm - 12:45pm at Westtown School hosted by Marcia Hepps. David Gray will be at Westtown School all day on Monday with Deb Wood.
Chestnut Hill Monthly Meeting, in-person, presentation 3:30pm - 5pm; F(f)riends are invited to join members of the Refugee Support Group for a talk with David Gray, principal of the Quaker Brummana Friends High School in Lebanon. Talk will be in the Social Room of the Meeting (in person!) with mask protocol followed. Therewill be Middle Eastern pastries, coffee, and tea. Pleasecirculate this invitation to people with interest in Friends education and in the Middle East. For more information, please contact Mary Day Kent at mdaykent@verizon.net

Pennswood Village, in-person, sponsored by the Quakerism Committee, presentation 7pm (will be recorded)

Tuesday, October 18 -

In person at Abington Friends School and Abington Monthly Meeting 1:15pm - 2:30pm; RSVP to AMM@abingtonfriends.net

Online presentation to MEC, CPMM from 7PM to 9PM ;https://www.pym.org/event/middle-east-collaborative-presentation-with-brummana-high-school-principal-david-gray/

Wednesday, October 19

Brooklyn Friends Meeting, in-person, 110 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beirut-to-brooklyn-nyc-friends-connect-with-quaker-school-in-lebanon-tickets-429719591867

Sunday, Oct 23 - from Cleveland

Newtown Monthly Meeting Adult First Day 9:45AM online from Cleveland ; zoom link on newtownfriendsmeeting.org website and also below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88514338131?pwd=YWE2Rk15Q3crWUd5NkdvcEo5Q0REZz09
Arch Street Meeting House Presentation, online; Arch Street Adult Education - recorded https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86540356248?pwd=tHUPE0MEY6M8yvQcBHMUfN2jxEuEyJ.1 ; No registration necessary. The recording will be posted on YouTube within a few days of the session.
David will be giving presentations and meeting with folks in New York at Brooklyn Friends Meeting and Cleveland Meeting. Please connect with obrangan@pym.org if you would like additional information regarding these visits.
Monday, Oct 24 - fly out from Cleveland to UK

Donation link for US outreach:
https://donorbox.org/brummana-high-school